Joshua-Povetkin Near Deal For September 22

Nearly a week after the two were mandated to make a deal, Anthony Joshua and Alexander Povetkin are circling in on a world heavyweight title fight.

Povetkin, the WBA mandatory opponent, and Joshua are looking towards September 22nd as fight night, following negotiations that began last week.

Povetkin’s manager, Vadim Kornilov told BoxingScene.com on Monday afternoon – “World of Boxing and Matchroom (Sports) is finalizing the deal now. In the next couple of days there should be more information but the fight is close to being made.”

“That’s what it sounds like,yes,” confirmed Kornilov, when asked about the date, but is not sure where the fight will take place.

“We haven’t had a confirmation but there’s still discussions on whether the fight will be in Russia or over there (in the UK) but the date is set. That’s being finalized.”

Povetkin, was set for a world title opportunity in 2016 against Deontay Wilder, but would have that fight taken away after failing a pre-fight drug test.

“He’s been wanting the fight, he want’s that fight and second to that he wants a world title fight,” said Kornilov. “He wants to get a championship fight again, no matter what happens he’s always said, ‘If not Joshua, then I’ll fight somebody else for the title.'”